How I nonviolently deal with player encounters:

Wrote this in a comment but it's a fairly old thread so it might get buried, thought some people might be interested in how I go about not shooting people I see:

I don't carry a main gun (#bowlife) and don't wear milgear or masks, I look pretty approachable and friendly but still not helpless. I pack a pistol for self defence if the time ever comes but I only draw it if I intend to fire.

When I see another player I immediately expose myself and greet them with a 'Hey' or a 'What's up', to immediately establish myself as non hostile (in addition to a salute or a wave). I stay still and avoid sudden movements. I avoid phrases such as 'Friendly' or 'Don't Shoot' since that establishes myself as submissive or fearful. When the other player is moving around a lot I'll say something along the lines of 'I ain't gonna shoot you'.

From there I'll chat a bit, try trade, share intel, share a campfire, etc. Really whatever the other dude wants.

If the other player draws on me or tries to sneak up, I'll go for cover and either disengage or try negotiate. Should that fail, I'll draw on them.

I don't get KOSed much this way, though it still happens of course. I'd rather die than kill an innocent dude.

There are probably safer ways to go about things, but for the sole purpose of avoiding violence I find it the most effective.